Something hit me while I was catching up on email correspondence yesterday evening. Email and SmartPhones have made an impact on communication style. Favorable in the areas of speed and ease, not so favorable in the areas of tact and diplomacy. And PLEASE don't think I am just pointing fingers at others -- we, including myself, need to think about the recipients of our short, curt inquiries or replies -- how will they grasp our message? Will it make them feel understood? acknowledged? respected? Will they be able to understand the message clearly, even if it is concise?
Extreme brevity can be read as annoyance or anger by a message recipient, rather than what the truth of the matter may be. You might have keyed a message while being in a hurry or during a meeting or (gasp!) in the car.
Tact belongs in more communications than just electronic vehicles. Being direct or straightforward face to face or in written form does not excuse anyone from being tactful.
Think about your professional and personal life. When have you felt you could have used more tact?
When you disagree?
When you feel pressured?
When someone is extremely upset?
When you want to express anger?
When you feel impatient?
Here are some good phrases I've jotted down in the past and not used often enough. Use 'em when you find yourself in situations where you need to relax, breathe deeply, take your time to speak/write tactfully -- whether you're emailing or speaking face to face with a family member, friend, co-worker, or customer.
While I don't agree with your conclusion, you certainly have the right to your opinion.
I don't feel totally comfortable {with that} {talking about that} ...
Don't you think it would be a good idea to hold off until ... ?
Perhaps I misunderstood. Are you saying that ....?
Let me see if I understand this. Would I be correct in assuming that you feel ...?
I understand you have a problem with my decision, but I expect to be treated with courtesy and respect.
According to Webster's New World dictionary, tact is the ability to avoid giving offense: skill in situations in which other people's feelings have to be considered. Discretion: an intuitive sense of what's right or appropriate.
So, if tact is missing in the act of communicating, let's find it.
No matter how much of a hurry we're in!